Cancer (patient information): Difference between revisions
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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Cancer|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Cancer|here]]''' | ||
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{KD}} | |||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal [[cell]]s in the body. Cancerous cells are also called | Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal [[cell]]s in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells. | ||
== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. | Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
The following symptoms can occur with most cancers: | The following symptoms can occur with most cancers: | ||
* Chills | * Chills | ||
* Fatigue | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
* Fever | * [[Fever]] | ||
* Loss of appetite | * Loss of appetite | ||
* Malaise | * [[Malaise]] | ||
* Night | * [[Night sweat]]s | ||
* Weight loss | * [[Weight loss]] | ||
== | |||
==Causes== | |||
Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die. | Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die. | ||
| Line 28: | Line 29: | ||
There are many causes of cancer, including: | There are many causes of cancer, including: | ||
Benzene and other chemicals | *[[Benzene]] and other chemicals | ||
*Excess [[alcohol]] intake | |||
Environmental | *Environmental [[toxin]]s, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins) | ||
Excessive sunlight exposure | *Excessive sunlight exposure | ||
Genetic problems | *[[Genetic]] problems | ||
Obesity | *[[Obesity]] | ||
Radiation | *[[Radiation]] | ||
*[[Virus]]es | |||
However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown. | However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown. | ||
| Line 49: | Line 50: | ||
The three most common cancers in men in the United States are: | The three most common cancers in men in the United States are: | ||
* Prostate cancer | * [[Prostate cancer]] | ||
* Lung cancer | * [[Lung cancer]] | ||
* Colon cancer | * [[Colon cancer]] | ||
In women in the United States, the three most common cancers are: | In women in the United States, the three most common cancers are: | ||
* Breast cancer | * [[Breast cancer]] | ||
* Colon cancer | * [[Colon cancer]] | ||
* Lung cancer | * [[Lung cancer]] | ||
Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of stomach cancer, but in the United States, this type of cancer is unusual. Differences in diet or environmental factors may play a role. | Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of stomach cancer, but in the United States, this type of cancer is unusual. Differences in diet or environmental factors may play a role. | ||
Some other types of cancers include: | Some other types of cancers include: | ||
* Brain cancer | * [[Brain cancer]] | ||
* Cervical cancer | * [[Cervical cancer]] | ||
* Hodgkin's lymphoma | * [[Hodgkin's lymphoma]] | ||
* Kidney cancer | * [[Kidney cancer]] | ||
* Leukemia | * [[Leukemia]] | ||
* Liver cancer | * [[Liver cancer]] | ||
* Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma | * [[Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]] | ||
* Ovarian cancer | * [[Ovarian cancer]] | ||
* Skin cancer | * [[Skin cancer]] | ||
* Testicular cancer | * [[Testicular cancer]] | ||
* Thyroid cancer | * [[Thyroid cancer]] | ||
* Uterine | * [[Uterine cancer]] | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
As with symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following: | |||
* Biopsy of the tumor | * [[Biopsy]] of the tumor | ||
* Blood tests (which look for chemicals such as tumor markers) | * Blood tests (which look for chemicals such as tumor markers) | ||
* Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia) | * [[Bone marrow biopsy]] (for lymphoma or leukemia) | ||
* Chest x-ray | * [[Chest x-ray]] | ||
* Complete blood count (CBC) | * [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) | ||
* CT scan | * [[CT scan]] | ||
* Liver function | * [[Liver function test]]s | ||
* MRI scan | * [[MRI]] scan | ||
* Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors. | * Most cancers are diagnosed by [[biopsy]]. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors. | ||
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your doctor when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks. | A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your doctor when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks. | ||
It's a good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you. | It's a good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you. | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cancer. | Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cancer. | ||
| Line 96: | Line 97: | ||
Treatment varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location. | Treatment varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location. | ||
* If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the most common treatment approach is surgery to cure the cancer. This is often the case with skin cancers, as well as cancers of the lung, breast, and colon. | * If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the most common treatment approach is [[surgery]] to cure the cancer. This is often the case with skin cancers, as well as cancers of the [[lung]], [[breast]], and [[colon]]. | ||
* If the tumor has spread to local lymph | * If the [[tumor]] has spread to local [[lymph node]]s only, sometimes these can be removed. | ||
* If surgery cannot remove all of the cancer, the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. | * If surgery cannot remove all of the [[cancer]], the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of [[surgery]], [[radiation]], and [[chemotherapy]]. | ||
* Lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph glands, is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are most often used to treat lymphoma. | * [[Lymphoma]], or [[cancer]] of the lymph glands, is rarely treated with surgery. [[Chemotherapy]] and [[radiation therapy]] are most often used to treat [[lymphoma]]. | ||
* Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to keep up your strength. | * Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to keep up your strength. | ||
If you have radiation treatment, know that: | If you have radiation treatment, know that: | ||
* Radiation treatment is painless. | * [[Radiation]] treatment is painless. | ||
* Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday. | * Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday. | ||
* You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes. | * You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes. | ||
* You should get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy. | * You should get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy. | ||
* Skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated. | * [[Skin]] in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated. | ||
* Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary | * Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary and vary depending on the area of the body that is being treated. | ||
If you are going through chemotherapy, you should eat right. Chemotherapy causes your immune system to weaken, so you should avoid people with | If you are going through [[chemotherapy]], you should eat right. [[Chemotherapy]] causes your [[immune system]] to weaken, so you should avoid people with cold or flu. You should also get plenty of rest, and don't feel as though you have to accomplish tasks all at once. | ||
It will help you to talk with family, friends, or a support group about your feelings. Work with your health care providers throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in control. | It will help you to talk with family, friends, or a support group about your feelings. Work with your health care providers throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in control. | ||
==Where to find medical care for | |||
==Where to find medical care for cancer?== | |||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Condition}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Cancer] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Condition}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Cancer] | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
You can reduce the risk of getting a cancerous (malignant) tumor by: | You can reduce the risk of getting a cancerous (malignant) tumor by: | ||
| Line 121: | Line 124: | ||
* Eating a healthy diet | * Eating a healthy diet | ||
* Exercising regularly | * Exercising regularly | ||
* Limiting alcohol | * Limiting [[alcohol]] | ||
* Maintaining a healthy weight | * Maintaining a healthy weight | ||
* Minimizing your exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals | * Minimizing your exposure to [[radiation]] and toxic chemicals | ||
* Not smoking or chewing tobacco | * Not smoking or chewing [[tobacco]] | ||
* Reducing sun exposure, especially if you burn easily | * Reducing sun exposure, especially if you burn easily | ||
* Cancer | * [[Cancer screening]]s, such as [[mammography]] and breast examination for [[breast cancer]] and [[colonoscopy]] for [[colon cancer]], may help catch these cancers at their early stages when they are most treatable. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk. | ||
==What to expect ( | |||
The outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the | ==What to expect (outlook/prognosis)?== | ||
The outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer when diagnosed. | |||
Some cancers can be cured. Other cancers that are not curable can still be treated effectively. Some patients can live for many years with cancer. Other [[tumor]]s are quickly life threatening. | |||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
Complications depend on the type and stage of cancer. The cancer may spread. | Complications depend on the type and stage of cancer. The cancer may spread (metastasize). | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001289.htm | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001289.htm | ||
{{WH}} | |||
{{WS}} | |||
[[Category:Patient information]] | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
[[Category:Aging-associated diseases]] | [[Category:Aging-associated diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Causes of death]] | [[Category:Causes of death]] | ||
[[Category:Pathology]] | [[Category:Pathology]] | ||
[[Category:Types of cancer]] | [[Category:Types of cancer]] | ||
[[Category:Occupational safety and health]] | [[Category:Occupational safety and health]] | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:46, 29 July 2020
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Cancer |
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Cancer On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool.
Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
The following symptoms can occur with most cancers:
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
Causes
Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die.
There are many different kinds of cancer. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.
There are many causes of cancer, including:
- Benzene and other chemicals
- Excess alcohol intake
- Environmental toxins, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins)
- Excessive sunlight exposure
- Genetic problems
However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown.
The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer.
The three most common cancers in men in the United States are:
In women in the United States, the three most common cancers are:
Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of stomach cancer, but in the United States, this type of cancer is unusual. Differences in diet or environmental factors may play a role.
Some other types of cancers include:
- Brain cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Skin cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Uterine cancer
Diagnosis
As with symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:
- Biopsy of the tumor
- Blood tests (which look for chemicals such as tumor markers)
- Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia)
- Chest x-ray
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- CT scan
- Liver function tests
- MRI scan
- Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your doctor when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks.
It's a good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cancer.
Treatment options
Treatment varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.
- If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the most common treatment approach is surgery to cure the cancer. This is often the case with skin cancers, as well as cancers of the lung, breast, and colon.
- If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can be removed.
- If surgery cannot remove all of the cancer, the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
- Lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph glands, is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are most often used to treat lymphoma.
- Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to keep up your strength.
If you have radiation treatment, know that:
- Radiation treatment is painless.
- Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday.
- You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes.
- You should get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy.
- Skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated.
- Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary and vary depending on the area of the body that is being treated.
If you are going through chemotherapy, you should eat right. Chemotherapy causes your immune system to weaken, so you should avoid people with cold or flu. You should also get plenty of rest, and don't feel as though you have to accomplish tasks all at once.
It will help you to talk with family, friends, or a support group about your feelings. Work with your health care providers throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in control.
Where to find medical care for cancer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cancer
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of getting a cancerous (malignant) tumor by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Minimizing your exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals
- Not smoking or chewing tobacco
- Reducing sun exposure, especially if you burn easily
- Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may help catch these cancers at their early stages when they are most treatable. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk.
What to expect (outlook/prognosis)?
The outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer when diagnosed.
Some cancers can be cured. Other cancers that are not curable can still be treated effectively. Some patients can live for many years with cancer. Other tumors are quickly life threatening.
Possible complications
Complications depend on the type and stage of cancer. The cancer may spread (metastasize).
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001289.htm Template:WH Template:WS